NCJ Number
83014
Date Published
1976
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The daily role, procedures, and objectives of a criminalist are described, with attention to recent advances and input to the laboratory.
Abstract
Recent advances in criminalistics are (1) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which is used primarily for the identification of drugs and poisons; (2) dispersive X-ray analysis, which can be used to analyze the inorganic constituents of samples of paint, glass, safe insulation, and metals on the order of 10 mg in size; and (3) the scanning electron microscope, which is used to analyze paints, metals, fibers, and other similar items. Neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption, spark source-mass spectrometry, and laser microprobe are also being used and researched as forensic tools. Criminalistics laboratories must continue to rely upon the recognition, collection, and proper submission of physical evidence by highly trained investigators. Law enforcement officials should consider the use of the expertise of trained evidence technicians working outside the police service. In many areas, the laboratory of the coroner or the medical examiner is staffed with evidence technicians capable of conducting thorough crime scene investigations. The crime laboratory functions in the areas of reconstruction, which involves reconstructing the events leading up to, during, and sometimes preceding a crime: establishment of corpus delocti, which most often involves establishing that a seized substance is a controlled drug; and analyzing materials so as to connect or disconnect suspects from the crime scene. Eight references are listed.